Why Delhi chokes every winter? Supreme Court flags affluent lifestyle as a major cause

Supreme Court of India

The Supreme Court on Monday said that one of the main reasons Delhi-NCR continues to suffer from severe air pollution every winter is the reluctance of the rich and affluent to change their lifestyles. The court observed that despite several orders and strict protocols issued over the years, air quality in the national capital region remains dangerously poor.

The remarks were made by a bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M Pancholi. The bench was hearing a matter related to air pollution after amicus curiae and senior advocate Aparajita Singh informed the court that pollution levels in Delhi-NCR continue to hover around the “severe” category, leading to serious health problems for residents.

Singh told the court that while several directions have been issued by the Supreme Court to tackle air pollution, their implementation has been slow and ineffective. “Taking action as per the laid-down protocols has always remained tardy,” she said.

Expressing concern, the CJI-led bench said that the Supreme Court has passed numerous orders over the years, but the ground situation has shown little improvement. The court stressed the need for practical and enforceable directions. “We must pass orders which can actually be implemented. Otherwise, people will continue to violate them,” the bench said.

The CJI pointed out that lifestyle choices of the affluent class significantly contribute to pollution. "People need to understand the need of the hour and change their lifestyles. The affluent class does not comply with the restrictions and continues to use big diesel-guzzling cars, generators and other polluting gadgets. The pollution caused by vehicles is choking the national capital and surrounding areas. It is the poor and working class who are most exposed to pollution and suffer the most,” CJI said.

In an affidavit submitted last week, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) informed the court that the transport sector is the biggest contributor to air pollution in Delhi-NCR, accounting for 41% of the total pollution load.

Dust and construction activities contribute 21%, industries 19%, power plants 5%, residential activities 3%, and other sources 11%. The commission clarified that while these sources pollute throughout the year, stubble burning is only a seasonal issue for a short period.

The bench agreed to hear the air pollution matter again on Wednesday. During the hearing, the amicus also raised concerns that despite Supreme Court orders banning sporting events for children during severe pollution, some schools and organisations continue to conduct such activities, putting children’s health at risk.

Another lawyer raised similar concerns through a separate application. The bench, however, said it would not hear repeated arguments on the same issue and asked all advocates to submit their suggestions to the amicus curiae, who will present them before the court.